Hey guys MaverickPanda here and with an update!!!!!!!!!! I was going to try and post everyday but my schedule has made it so that I can't work on my story on weekends, so again I apologize for the late chapter. To make it up to you guys This is my longest chapter, I hope you like it!
Ch 6. Girls and Grins
Rika crept silently through the bushes, stalking her way towards the house. Each step, bringing her closer to the house, each careful step sending her heart racing with anticipation. Rika could feel her smile widen as she inches her way towards the large oak door. Rika's smile quickly faded, her lips pursed in a pout, her eyes narrowing, “Why can't I move?” Rika thought to herself. Rika looked over her shoulder, her foot had snagged on a tree root. Rika kicked her foot vigorously, attempting to cast the rogue root off of her foot. Rika became increasingly irritated as the root continued to rebelliously wrap around her foot. Rika delivered a fierce kick, throwing the root off of her foot, but the soft earth beneath her slipped, sending Rika on another collision course with the ground. Rika waved her arms frantically, pawing at anything and everything hoping to catch herself, before falling face first into the dirt. Rika puffed her cheeks, it just was not her day, before falling face first into the soft dirt. Rika laid in the dirt for a moment, beating her hands and feet against the ground as the dirt muffled her screams. Rika lifted her head from the dirt, peering through a small opening in the bush, after hearing a knock. After brushing the dirt from her eyes, Rika slowly crawled closer to the small opening at the bottom of the bush, squinting her eyes, trying to see who had knocked on the door. Even though she should know better by now, Rika is slightly stunned at what she sees. Recalling her past experiences with almost-not really's that she had encountered on her journey, she can the this could not be Risa-chan , and this definitely could not be Risa-chan knocking on the big door with a powdered wig on. Rika let out a silent sigh, “ All these look a likes are confusing me!” Rika thought to herself, shaking her fist towards the sky playfully. Another knock, Rika quickly looked back at the door, her eyes shining as it creaked open.
“Tak...Takahashi-chan? Rika nearly shouted, before covering her own mouth.
Rika quickly dropped as low as she could, digging her fingers into the ground, the two powder wig clad girls looking at the rustling bush as they spoke. Rika lifted her eyes from the ground, back t the door, the two girls had been quietly conversing, occasionally looking back in her general direction. Rika tilted her head, Risa's face had become slightly flushed, her chest rising and falling with her erratic breath, as Takahashi whispered in her ears.
“Wait wait wait...why is she blushing?” Rika pondered. “Ohhhh...I would of never guess...Risa and Takahashi? But now that I think about it...” Rika started to blush, her lips curling into a devilish smirk.
Rika's attention focused back on the two girls, it seemed that Takahashi's aggressive side took over, impishly running her fingers down Risa's suit jacket, each button being quickly undone. Rika's heart began to race, her teeth biting down on her thumbnail while she loudly gulped. She knew that she shouldn't be watching this, but when would she ever get an opportunity like this again.
Charmy: “RIKA ISHIKAWA! I am appalled!”
Rika: “Wait...whoa whoa whoa...what did I do wrong?”
Charmy: “Oh no little lady , don't you pretend like what you are doing isn't wrong! Gawking at those two shameless girls doing...whatever there doing. And their your juniors!”
Rika: “But its not like they are actually Risa-chan and Takahashi-chan, and I think its all kind of...sweet.”
Charmy: “Sweet? What those two girls are doing over there is hot... ahem not acceptable, especially in public.”
Rika: “Wait, did you just say hot?”
Charmy: “No! Why would I say something like that, I mean I find the whole H!P inter-dating thing is so sexy...uhh messy.”
Rika: “A HA! I definitely heard sexy that time, I knew you would not want to pass this up as much as I did. Yet another victory for Rika Ishikawa!”
Charmy: “Hey can you quiet down, I missing all the good stuff.”
Rika: “Oh yeah. Sorry about that. Hey wait...”
Rika snapped back to the real world, taking a deep breath after her exhausting internal struggle. Rika's eyes focused back on the two girls, each delicate stroke of Takahashi's fingers, each sharp breath Risa takes while squirming under the other girl's touch, burned into Rika's mind. Rika held her breath, the heat from her cheeks radiating on her face, while her eyes follow Takahashi's hand slipping into Risa's open jacket. Rika's eyes shot open “How daring!” Rika thought to herself. Rika's smirk fell, slightly disappointed watching Takahashi pull her hand back gripping a small envelope “ Thats a little bit anti-climactic.” Rika thought to herself pouting a bit. Rika's ears perked up at the sound of a loud smack. Rika looked up quickly, Takahashi was pulling back form Risa, a devilish smile on her lips with a slight blush. Risa on the other hand stood stunned, able only to stumble back tripping over a branch, landing roughly on a tree stump. Had Rika missed the best part? Seems like it. Rika snapped her fingers, hearing the large door click shut. Rika traced her lips with the tips of her fingers, “ Their first kiss eh. Just like that day...”
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Rika tiptoed down the hall, creeping closer to her destination. Rika wrapped her fingers around the door frame and peeked her head into the room that she stood beside. A small smile crept to her lips, admiring the innocent image that caught her eye. In the room laid Hitomi Yoshizawa, fellow fourth generation member, and best friend, happily napping on the small couch in her dressing room after a long day of promoting Mr. Moonlight, Morning Musume's latest single. Rika never could get over how dashing Yossi looked in her Mr. Moonlight costume, but Yossi did pull off being a boy rather well. Rika snuck into the room, closing the door silently behind her. Yossi laid restlessly on the couch,
“Oh I can't wait till promotion on this song is over.” Yossi muttered under her breath loosening the tie that wrapped around her neck.
Rika giggled to herself, hearing her friend talk to herself. Rika made her way behind the couch, standing slowly careful not to make her presence known. Yossi could hear the feint rubbing of fabric, but paid it no mind, it surely was her tired mind playing tricks on her, that was until she felt two hands clamp down over her eyes. A very surprised Yossi kicked her legs wildly, her arms flailing above her trying to grip the person who had temporarily blinded her. Ever mindful of Yossi's natural reflexes, Rika ducked behind the couch, far out of Yossi's range.
“Yocchan~~! Guess who.” Rika asked playfully.
“Rika?” Yossi answered resting peacefully back on the couch.
“How did you know?” Rika questioned, moving her hands from Yossi's face, pouting slightly.
“I could hear those frills on your dress, and who else would sneak into my room and mess with me while I am sleeping. Hmmmm?” Yossi answered, smiling a bit looking at Rika's pouting face
Yossi sat up and patted the cushion next to her. Rika stood up and made her way over to the couch, plopping down on it. Rika looked to her side and smiled, watching Yossi's head rest on her shoulder.
“Tired Yoccahn?” Rika inquired.
“Yeah, all this promotional stuff is really tiring, and I don't know how much longer I can walk around in this zoot suit, I mean its already bad enough that I am the boyish character of Morning Musume, but I don't know know about this.” Yossi answered snapping the suspenders that hid underneath her bright yellow jacket.
“But you are such a handsome guy Yocchan.” Rika giggled.
“I don't know if I should be offended by that but I guess...thank you” Yossi replied flashing Rika a quick smile.
Rika felt strange. Her heart skipped a beat, her palms began to moisten and her cheeks heated up a bit, at the sight of Yossi's sparkling smile. This was the first time that she felt anything like this, especially from just a smile. Rika swallowed roughly, watching Yossi's face wash over with confusion as the conversation abruptly stopped.
“Uh Rika? Earth to Rika” Yossi said, waving her hand in front of Rika's face, poking her side playfully with her free hand.
Rika's body shivered under Yossi's playful prods, each touch causing her heart to beat louder and faster. Yossi took note of Rika's sudden change, a playful smile finding its way to her lips.
“Do I excite you Rika? I mean I guess I can understand, I am Mr. Moonlight after all.” Yossi stated proudly, running her fingertips along Rika's bare shoulder.
“Oh don't be silly Yoccahn.” Rika retorted, her voice shaking slightly as she leans over, softly hitting Yossi with her shoulder while giggling.
“Itai~~” Yossi exaggerated while she rubbed her shoulder, unable to hold back her own laughter.
“Oh aren't we the smooth one Mr. Moonlight. “ Rika said, slipping off of the couch.
“What can I say, its a gift.” Yossi replied while she brushed some dirt from her pants.
“Well, I guess I will leave you to your rest Yocchan.” Rika cooed, while walking towards the door.
Rika stopped for a moment feeling something tug on her arm, it was Yossi. Rika looked back and saw a rather serious Yossi looking back at her. Before Rika could say anything, she felt a rough tug pulling her back. She fell backwards into Yossi's lap, cradled gently by her firm arms as they caught her. Rika was caught completely off guard. Yossi looked down into the the eyes of the girl who she held in her lap.
“ Rika, I have been meaning to tell you something.” Yossi softly whispered.
“What...what is is Yocchan?” Rika squeaked.
“ I have had this strange feeling since I joined...I think...well I think I am in love with you.” Yossi said, while her cheeks blushed.
“What? Well I love you to Yocchan.” Rika replied.
“Rika.. I know you know what I mean.” Yossi barked.
Rika could not say anything. All this time, Yossi had been in love with her and she could not see it. Was that what that feeling was whenever they were together? Love can be a cruel thing. Even though Rika believes in Yossi's convictions, how would others think about it, especially in the public eye. Rika did not know if it was possible to return such love. Yossi looked away, disappointment and embarrassment written on her face.
“Ha ha ha, just fooled you Rika, you should of seen the look on your face.” Yossi's quivering voice broke slightly.
Rika was confused, but deep down she knew that Yossi was just trying to be brave. Rika's mind went blank and her body moved under its own accord. Yossi was surprised, when she was pulled down by her tie, suddenly feeling her lips cushioned by Rika's. Rika clenched Yossi's tie tightly, , her neck craned upwards feeling the warmth of Yossi's lips. She knew in that first kiss, that it was love, and she would do anything to keep it.
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Rika shook her head, these memory flashes are becoming more and more frequent since she has been here. Rika looked to the door to see if it was safe for her to emerge from her hiding spot. After seeing no one in the general area, she hopped out of the bushes and made her way to the door. Before knocking on the large door, she looked back at the still frozen Risa. Rika waved her hands in front of the girl's face, poking her cheeks and side every once in a while, she was in quite the daze.
“Wow. Must have been one hell of a kiss.” Rika said out loud.
Rika shrugged and turned her attention back to the door and pounded her fist firmly against the door three times. After a few moments, Rika grows impatient.
“Why isn't anyone answering the door?” Rika asked herself, beating on the door once again.
Once again, Rika's loud knocks were met with no answer. Rika pressed her ear against the door, loud voices and sharp crashes can be easily heard through the door. Growing increasingly tired of the outside, Rika invited herself into the house, throwing open the door. Rika was a bit worried, once again she was in a cloud of smoke, “I hope that caterpillar isn't here.” Rika thought to herself, as she walked deeper into the smoke, her nose burning slightly catching the pungent smell of pepper that laid thick in the air. Rika sneezed a few times, catching the attention of the people who were in the kitchen. Through the smoke Rika can see what seems to be two people, a baby and something else. One of the shadowy figures opens the kitchen window, the people becoming clear as the smoke blows out of the house. Rika's jaw dropped to the ground, stunned at the sight of Nakazawa-san, particularly caught off guard by the presence of a baby in her arms. Rika quickly shot her eyes away from Yuuko, the sight of her and a baby was to much, finding little comfort as she sees Mika stirring a very peppery soup. Rika threw her hands into the air and fell to her knees, of all the things, this had been the most traumatizing. Rika buried her head in her hands, hoping to wake up from this strange nightmare. Rika sat quietly, muttering something under her breathe while something pats her head. Rika jumps up and lifts her head from her hands, peering straight into the wide grin of someone familiar.
“Abe-san!” Rika yelled.
The person only smiled back at Rika, returning to her chair, adjusting the cat ears that adorned the top of her head.
“Oh no, not you too!” Rika said desperately.
No matter how much Rika pleaded with Abe to talk to her, Nacci only smiled back. Even though slightly disappointed, Rika could feel a small bit a relief while looking at that wide inviting smile. Rika looked over her shoulder catching the eye of the Yuuko look a like,
“Uhh, may I ask who guys are, and why do you guys have a smiling...uh..cat.” Rika asked pointing at Nacci.
“That is no ordinary cat first off, its a Cherise cat, and secondly, who are you to ask who I am in my own house? I am the duchess and this buffoon is my cook, and this little bundle of despair is my baby.”
Yuuko replied sharply. “I am never going to be able to meet the Queen of hearts like this!”
Mika stopped stirring the peppery soup, her ears catching the sudden insult. Mika began tossing everything and anything within arm reach at the duchess. Rika was horrified, she staggered to her feet and ran over to Mika, trying to quell her growing anger.
“Please please, can you mind what you are doing, she has a baby!” Rika cried.
“If everybody minded their own business...the world would go around a great deal faster than it does.” Yuuko chimed.
Rika looked at Yuuko, a bit confused at her statement, and began asking her about what she meant. No matter how much Yuuko replied, Rika continued to be confused. After a few exchanged, Yuuko was fed up and hurled the baby she was holding at Rika.
“You can take care of the baby, since you seem so interested in my affairs, and I have to get ready to meet with the Queen anyways.” Yuuko huffed.
Rika hurried out the door, sensing that the cook and duchess would kill it if it had stayed with those two. Rika cradled the delicate baby in her arms, her body still shivering with horror from the callous actions of the duchess towards her own child. Rika looked down to look upon the young one's face, her motherly smile fading to sheer disgust. “Had Yuuko really been carrying a pig this entire time?” Rika thought to herself struggling to keep the kicking pig under control. The pig suddenly broke free from her grasp and ran into the forest, its high pitched squeals fading as it runs deeper into the forest.
“Well I guess Yuuko and a baby is just TO wild of an idea, even in this place.” Rika muttered chuckling to herself.
“My my mai~~ aren't we the little comedian” A mysterious voice purred.
Rika whipped her head from side to side, attempting to find the source of the voice, before looking up. Rika stepped a few feet back, rubbing her eyes, while watching a grinning Nacci sitting on a branch, kicking her feet, playing with her fake cat ears.
“Uh Ab...Miss Chesire Cat ma'am, can you help me?” Rika asked.
“Well that depends~ on the question miss.” Abe cooed.
“Where should I go next?”
“Wherrre~ do you want to go?”
“I don't care where I go I just want to go somewhere.”
“Well if you keep walking, you'll get somwherrre eventually”
Rika was getting nowhere fast. Rika decided that she will go with another tactic.
“Okay miss cat, what kind of people live around these parts?” Rika questioned.
“Well~, the mad hatter lives in that direction and the march hare in that direction, both are to say the very least, mad!” Abe replied.
“Well I wouldn't want to go near anyone who is mad.” Rika concluded.
“Well we are all mad here, even you are, or else you wouldn't of come~. Oh will you be joining the Queen in croquet?” Abe retorted.
Before Rika could answer, Abe vanished from the tree. Rika jumped up feeling a finger run across the back of her neck. She whipped around quickly, facing the wide grin of Abe once again.
“What became of the baby anywayss~” Abe asked.
“Well...it kinda was became...a pig.” Rika answered.
“Ah...I should of guessed.” Abe whispered fading once again into thin air.
Rika tries to decide whether it would be better to visit the Mad Hatter or the March Hare. She figures that the March Hare might not be completely mad since the month is May and not March. Abe reappears again to ask whether Rika had said "pig" or "fig". Rika expresses her annoyance at the Abe's tendency to disappear and reappear so suddenly. So this time Abe vanishes slowly, beginning with her tail and ending with his grin, which lingers for a while after the rest of her has disappeared. Rika walked in the direction of the March Hare's house, stumbling onto a rabbit-head shaped house after a few moments. The house looked a bit to big for her, again she had to change her size. Rika desperately rifled through her pocket pulling out a small chunk of mushroom. Thankfully she remembered to keep some handy just in case. She took a small bite and grew two feet tall. Rika walked towards the house, no doubt another crazy adventure waiting for her.